major depressive disorder - Page 1

Research Update

Soft Drink Intake Linked to Depression: Gut Microbiome May Be the Missing Link

July 1, 2026

Victoria Hendrick, MD. Dr. Hendrick has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

Soft drinks are implicated in obesity and diabetes. But could they also influence depression—and if so, through what mechanism? A German cohort study of 932 adults points to an unexpected variable in the relationship between dietary habits and mood.

Expert Q&A

ECT: An Update

February 1, 2025

W. Vaughn McCall, MD, MS

W. Vaughn McCall, MD, MS

Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior; Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University.

Dr. McCall reports that he is a consultant for Alza TV, Axon Medical Technologies, Carelon, Haleon, and Idorsia. Dr. Aiken has reviewed this educational activity and has determined that there is no commercial bias as a result of this financial relationship.

The FDA has changed the labeling on ECT, and Vaughn McCall clarifies where this treatment fits among newer interventions like ketamine and TMS.

Research Update

How Do We Help Depressed Smokers Quit?

October 1, 2024

Justin Morales, MD and Deepti Anbarasan, MD

Justin Morales, MD, and Deepti Anbarasan, MD. Drs. Morales and Anbarasan have no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

Tobacco smoking and major depression are highly comorbid, and depressed patients usually have a tougher time quitting than their non-depressed counterparts. In this research study, investigators compared the efficacy of anti-smoking medications in those with depression. The results may surprise you.

Research Update

Efficacy of Auvelity for Major Depression

April 1, 2024

Nina Chandler, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Nina Chandler, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC. Dr. Chandler has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

A dextromethorphan-bupropion combo tablet shows promise in treating major depression. The FDA recognized its potential in 2019, so stay tuned for more updates on this novel treatment.

Research Update

Cariprazine Augmentation for MDD

January 1, 2024

Jeremy Mills, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Jeremy Mills, DNP, PMHNP-BC. Dr. Mills has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

We know cariprazine augments antidepressants, but just how effective is it?

CARLAT WEBINAR

Ketamine and the Evolving Psychopharmacologic Pipeline for Depression

December 8, 2023

Robert C. Meisner, MD

0.50 CME Credits. Robert Meisner, MD, explores the latest developments in psychiatric treatment with ketamine and esketamine, including their differences and emerging insights for clinicians.

Research Update

DBT for Borderline Personality Disorder: Is Half the “Dose” Effective?

October 3, 2023

Kate J. Travis, MD

Kate Travis, MD. Dr. Travis has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

Major depressive disorder, mood disorders, SSRIs, borderline personality disorder

Zuranolone: 10 Questions about a New Antidepressant

August 14, 2023

Chris Aiken, MD

Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) is newly approved for postpartum depression, but does it work in regular depression? And why did they put so many “Zs” in the name?

CARLAT WEBINAR

ECT: Update and Comprehensive Review

November 3, 2022

Stephen J. Seiner, MD

0.50 CME Credits. Advances in ECT have made it safer, more comfortable, and with a better cognitive profile that allowed for its use other than just as a last resort.